Tuesday Shoesday – Time for tennis?

When the sun starts shining and the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air, that can only mean one thing; time for tennis. With the Italian Open already in full swing and Wimbledon coming up in July I wanted to get onto the courts and try my hand (or should that be arm?) at tennis. You see, I’m a fan of watching tennis but I’ve never really had the chance to play much. Until now, that is.Since moving house, I’ve discovered a whole plethora of outdoor activities right on my doorstep. There are lovely walks nearby, a golf course (and I’ve promised my husband a round or two), swimming and cycling. And, luckily, there tennis courts just up the road. I’ve been walking past and seeing people knocking a ball around for a few weeks now and I’m really keen on the idea of joining in.

Of course, I wasn’t about to pick up a bat and get started straight away in my jeans and hiking shoes. I needed some new kit and my old trainers had been binned long ago. I seem to get through pumps really quickly (just how am I wearing them out?) so I wanted to get myself some ‘proper’ trainers. Not just for tennis, but a pair that would be suitable for all sporting occasions. And, after getting a great deal on my hiking shoes, I knew just where to get the best price; MandM Direct.I wanted a good all-round pair of trainers. Something I could wear for walking, running (haha, as if!), playing sports, cycling, everything! Also I wanted a design that looked sporty because so many pairs of trainers just look like everyday shoes and I wanted to feel like I was pulling on my pumps with the intention of getting active. I saved £15 off the RRP of these New Balance running shoes and the ‘tech ride’ responsive cushioning provides a level of comfort I’ve never felt on my feet before. They’re really flexible and bouncy, so I feel more energetic just by putting them on. My husband also needed some new trainers but I knew that they would have to be ‘serious’ white tennis pumps so I picked out these half price Puma trainers at the same time. They have a trinomic cushioned sole so they flex, cushion and stabilise the foot while playing sports. Very professional. You see, hubby is a good tennis player. He grew up playing the game and his grandfather was still darting around the court well into his retirement. So when he plays tennis, my husband likes to play a ‘proper’ game. Even so, other than a year’s membership a local club around ten years ago, my husband hasn’t had the chance to play tennis at all. And we’ve never had a game together, so I’d like to give it a try.Actually, that’s not entirely true. At the start of university, during ‘Give It A Go’ week, I tried to play tennis for the first time. Well, for the first time properly, that is. I’ve batted a ball around with my friends as a child but never knew the technique, rules or etiquette. So when I tried to play tennis in the university sports hall, I was firing that ball across other courts and bouncing it off the ceiling. Not intentionally, you understand. I just wasn’t very good at it.And that one hour lesson kind of put me off. No more tennis for me thanks – not unless someone wants to get injured. But now, I think I’m ready to have another go. I want to spend more of my free time doing healthy activities and, after working at my computer for a large portion of the week, I think it’s a good idea to get my body moving and breath in the fresh air once in a while. So hi-ho-hi-ho it’s off to the courts we go. I’m actually going to try to take some tuition from my husband, seeing as he seems to know what he’s doing. Let’s just hope that I can learn something from him before resorting to sulking about how rubbish I am at tennis! Maybe, with a lot of practice, I might even become good enough to give him a game. Watch this space…

Cassie is a freelance writer with a Masters degree in lifestyle
promotion studies. She loves to 'get the look for less' so regularly shares thrifty fashion posts, DIY interior design ideas and low-cost recipes on her blog.

2 Comments

Great blog post. It is definitely wise to choose trainers that are suitable for a range of activities, particularly when you’re not sure what you’re going to be doing a lot of yet. Good luck with the tennis!

Great blog post, thanks for sharing! It’s so true that the sunny weather and a great location can really spur you into action when it comes to exercise. And your new trainers look great and really comfortable. It is definitely a wise decision to opt for trainers that are suitable for a range of activities, particularly when you’re not sure what you’re going to be doing a lot of. Good luck with the tennis!

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